Windy conditions could do nothing to dampen the spirit of competitors taking part in the 30th annual Melvin Open in Garrison at the weekend.
This year's championship which netted 370 entries over the four days proved to be the biggest competition in the event's history. Such is the Melvin Open's growing success, that is now ranked as the second largest of its kind in Ireland.
Taking home the 2009 winning prize of two boats and two pieces of crystal were Brian Bingham from Magherafelt and Gerard Duffy from Castleblaney. Their winning weight was 2.354lbs. Gerard also won the award for heaviest fish, a brown trout weighing 2.5lbs.
It was Gerry Timoney from Lattone who stole the local limelight, coming in second along with his partner Tom Winters from London.
They each won £700 and a piece of crystal with their combined weight of 1.565lbs. In third place was Eddie Harte from Ballisodare, Sligo and Jim Condon from Nobber, Meath.
Their weight of 1.54lbs earned them two electric engines, fly reels and crystal.
Other local winners to pick up awards were Matt Brown from Lisbellaw for 'Best Fermanagh' and 'Best Committee Member' and Patsy Tracey who won Saturday's heat.
John Martin, vice-chairman and PRO of the Garrison and Lough Melvin Anglers Association said weather conditions weren't ideal for fishing.
"It was very blowy for the first heat and it took three fish to qualify - that was on Thursday. On Friday, I was out myself, with my partner John Collins from Scotland.
"There were great fish hooked but we couldn't land one and it took just one to qualify that day. Conditions were poor, very blowy and blustery. Saturday wasn't too bad and it took two fish to qualify.
"Throughout the weekend there were quite a lot of well known and good anglers who didn't qualify. Conditions were suitable for the final on Sunday but we would have expected more fish to be landed. Quite a few boats blanked and got no fish."
Mr Martin said the weekend was yet another success with the number of entries impressive.
"It was a well organised event and competitors came from all over - Scotland, England and fro m across Ireland, from as far down as Cork and the top of Donegal. In a year when other competitions saw their numbers go down - probably due to the recession - ours went up and it is now the second biggest in Ireland.
Mr Martin thanked Rosemary, Paul and Claire Maguire for supplying the home-made refreshments for competitors, the Northern Fisheries Board for providing two rescue boats, sponsors, Lough Melvin Holiday Centre, the Bilberry Restaurant and all who 'visited, stayed in Garrison and enjoyed the craic'.
